The Nation Newspaper

Tag: schools

  • Fed Govt to establish 100 Almajiri schools

    Fed Govt to establish 100 Almajiri schools

    Vice President Namadi Sambo says the Federal Government will establish 100 Almajiri Special Schools across the nation as part of its efforts to prevent street begging.

    He stated this in Gusau, Zamfara , at the end of the week long National Qur’an Recitation Competition.

    According to Sambo, the schools when fully established, will promote both Islamic and western education among school-aged children who are now roaming the streets.

    He stated that although the schools would be built across the country, a larger number would be established in the northern part of the country.

    Sambo said the Federal Government had procured 96 million text books in core subjects of English, Mathematics, Sciences and Social Studies to improve teaching and learning at the junior secondary school level.

    He said the text books which would soon be distributed, were purchased through the Text Books Initiative of the Universal Basic Education Commission.

    Sambo praised the organisers of the competition as a good initiative towards discovering hidden talents which would assist oneness, unity and brotherhood among the Muslim Umma and their relationship with others.

    He also noted that the initiative would also be a mechanism for the attainment of lasting peace.

    The Vice President commended the Zamfara State government and the Centre for Islamic Research of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto for organising the event.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, urged participants to use the event in praying for peace and well being of the nation.

    At the end of the competition, 60 winners in six categories of the competition made up of males and females were given one car each, Hajj seats, lap tops and digital Qur’an.

     

  • Borno denies closing schools after attacks

    Borno denies closing schools after attacks

    The Borno Government on Wednesday denied speculations that it ordered the closure of public schools in the state following recent attacks by suspected terrorists.

    The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Inuwa Kubo, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

    Kubo noted that schools would remain opened in spite of the ugly incidences across the state.

    “We are continuing with the normal school calendar, and as we continue, obviously, we will have our examinations as scheduled.

    “And most importantly, people should go to schools and see for themselves whether classes are going on or not,’’ he said.

    Kubo said students would also sit for the upcoming West African Examination Council and National Examination Council examinations across the state.

    “Our students are going to sit for WAEC and NECO examinations when the time comes.

    “I do not want to say what arrangements we are making but I am telling you that classes are going on in schools,’’’ he said.

    Kubo said that government had also made arrangements for students whose schools were destroyed to continue with their classes.

    “Even in those schools affected, we have made arrangements for their classes to continue so they can prepare and sit for WAEC and NECO examinations.

  • Obi donates N200m to hospitals, schools

    Obi donates N200m to hospitals, schools

    In its determination to improve the lives of the people, the Anambra State government has donated cash worth over N1b to missionary schools and hospitals. Governor Peter Obi made the donation to the institutions to enable them to build and rehabilitate school and hospital buildings that are in deplorable conditions.

    While making the donation, Governor Obi informed the Bishops and Pastors-in-charge of missionary hospitals and institutions that government is erecting over 25 buildings in various parts of the state. He reminded them of the need to double their efforts towards the completion of the projects.

    The governor, during his routine visit to some of the hospitals; including St. Joseph Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu; Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi; School of Medical Laboratory of Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, Umuoji; Old People’s Home, Nkpor, Girls’ High School, Agulu, among others, said government is  building various structures worth several billions of Naira.

    He assured them that money is not the problem as his government, through savings and prudent management of resources,  as well as support from development partners,  has enough money for all ongoing projects as well as those that will be started in no distant time.

    Governor Obi, who distributed cheques totalling N100m Naira to these institutions, explained that government’s support for missionary schools and hospitals were informed by the fact that those institutions render quality services to the people of the state at subsidised rates.

    Speaking while receiving the cheque for support for Old People’s Home, the Superior-General of Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother Mary Claude Oguh said that under Governor Obi’s administration, Anambra State has been the better for it.

    She described the governor as an exemplary leader who led by example and with the fear of God, even as she noted that Governor Obi has the zeal to build a better society for posterity.

    She assured him that the money would be used judiciously.

    At St. Joseph Hospital and Girls’ High School, Agulu, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor said that Obi remained the best governor Anambra State has had since the creation of the state.

    He said: “Whenever I say this, some people are not happy. But we cannot shy away from proclaiming obvious truth because some people prefer propaganda and falsehood.” He prayed God to bless the state with another governor better than or at least as good as Obi.

    Governor Obi has also presented a brand new 16-seater Nissan bus to Convent of Saint Mary, Diocese of Ihiala, Anglican Communion.

    While presenting the bus to the convent during a visit to the school, he said that the gesture was an appreciation of the commitment of the Diocese in comple-menting government’s efforts towards promoting functional and quality education in the state.

    He praised the Bishop for his hard work and dedication in uplifting the Diocese, even as he expressed his satisfaction that government’s partnership with the Church is yielding the expected results.

    The Anglican Bishop of Ihiala, Right Reverend Raphael Okafor said that the vehicle will help to promote academic activities in the school. He further said that Governor Obi had made a lot of impacts in all sectors of the economy; particularly in promoting functional education through the rebuilding and equipping of schools. He thanked him for encouraging the work of missionaries in building better society. He prayed for a worthy successor who will emulate his commitment, integrity, and transparency.

    At Abbot Girls’ Secondary School Ihiala, the governor also issued a cheque of N3m to  its management for rehabilitation of its collapsed borehole and other projects.

    He pledged that no effort will be spared to ensure that the school’s source of water supply was restored as quickly as possible to save the students from avoidable difficulties.

    He also assured that government will provide the school with funds for a functional library as well as rebuilding some of the school’s dilapidated structures.

    Governor Obi further explained that his visits to schools enables him to evaluate the real conditions of facilities and challenges. He described as unacceptable the level of infrastructural decay in most schools.

    The Principal of the school, Lady Ada Anulimadu as well as the students expressed their gratitude to the governor. They noted that he has been responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people while at the same time remained a man of his words.

    Governor Obi also laid the foundation of a refectory at Queen of the Rosary Secondary School, Onitsha.

    Apart from the foundation laying ceremony, Governor Obi presented a cheque of N10m as part of the N60m for the erection of an ultra-modern refectory building in the school.

    The governor revealed that the money was a donation from a public-spirited Nigerian who responded to his call to individuals to support the present effort to rebuild and reposition the education sector in the state. He urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the donor in order to put in place a better learning environment conducive to teaching and learning.

    The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, who praised Governor Obi for his humility and tenacity of purpose, said that his foresight will benefit future generations. He noted that the governor not only returned schools to their missionary owners, he also continued to rebuild and equip them.

    The governor also presented another cheque of N10m to Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital Waterside, Onitsha for the ongoing school of Midwifery Hospital project.

    In another development, Governor Obi promised that he would rehabilitate the Mmiata Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre wrecked by the recent flood disaster.

  • ‘Govts must sustain fight on mushroom schools’

    ‘Govts must sustain fight on mushroom schools’

    Goverments have been urged to step up the war against mushroom schools which still operate at various states, especially Lagos.

    The Proprietor of Cridy Children’s School, Abule Osun Lagos, Mrs Edith Odiaka, said this during the school’s second annual inter-house sports competition held at Amuwo Grammar School Stadium, Agboju last Saturday.

    “We want to make a call here to the governments to intervene more on this operation of unapproved schools because it is giving us a cause for worry,” Odiaka said.

    “This crusade started in Lagos State a few years back, but to our dismay it was not sustained to a logical conclusion. The situation has always been there; a man or a woman wakes up, opens a shop and brands it a school. But of course, since times are hard, parents who want their child to go to where they will pay a palty sum as school fees through these substandard schools which in turn pose a challenge to registered schools like ours.

    “Sometimes we get children on transfer from Primary three and Primary four many who interestingly can neither read nor write. So what do we call that, teaching or just ripping off parents?”

    ” We are calling on the governments, especially in Lagos State to do something about this.”

    Nevertheless, the occasion was a spectacle of various sporting activities, such as match past, filling the bottles, picking the balls, sack race, and various relay races, among others.

    Invited schools such as Caritas Nursery and Pry school, Barracks-Ojo way, Grace Chryshole College, Abule Ado and Disney School, Ojo also featured in invitational relays.

    In the end, Blue House stood tallest with 11 gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals . Green and Red houses emerged first and second runners up with eight gold, five silver and five bronze medals, and four gold, five silver and eight bronze medals respectively. Yellow House came last with four gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals.

    Giving his vote of thanks, Edith’s husband Mr Chris who is the Chairman of the school, said Cridy is out for more schocker .

    “It’s of great joy to have this project today, we thank everybody. We assure you that great things are underway in this school. This year is going to witness great developments, we are going to furnish our computer rooms with more computers. Our arts room is going to receive more attention, the library would be updated and we are going to elevate the beauty of the school environment because the joy you have planted in our heart today is so much that we cannot measure it,” Odiaka concluded.

  • Val’s Day of love in schools

    Schools ‘painted Lagos red’, the colour of love, during Valentine’s Day last Thursday.  MEDINAT KANABE and SAMPSON UNAMKA report on its growing significance.

     

    Valentine’s Day has been added to the list of special days that primary and secondary schools now celebrate. Years ago, schools only celebrated Christmas, end-of-year party, graduation, children’s Day, Independence Day among other as public holidays.

    Though February 14 is not a public holiday, more and more private schools are increasingly celebrating the day set aside to celebrate love with a lot of fanfare.

    Investigations by The Nation revealed that some schools encourage pupils to exchange gifts, organise picnics or hold parties for part or the whole of the school day. Many also impose red and white dress code on pupils.

    Getting the pupils ready for last week’s Valentine’s Day programme was hectic for some parents. One woman was seen combing shops in Isolo in search of an appropriate outfit for her ward. Another mother residing in Ogba, said she had to go shopping for the gift her son had to give his partner.

    “He came disturbing us that he had to get a gift for his school valentine partner. I went searching the shops for an appropriate gift and finally got a beautiful water bottle which I wrapped for him to take to school. He got a singlet as his own gift,” she said.

    While some parents fretted about opening their wards’ backpack to find notes about Valentine dress code or gift, others were happy that it is that time again when they celebrate.

    At Lilly white nursery and primary school, celebrating Valentine’s Day this year was specifically for grandparents, while at Grace Schools, Gbagada, eatery outfit, KFC treated the pupils to chicken, chips and drinks.

    Proprietress of Lillywhite School, Ilupeju, Mrs Olanrewaju Osibanjo, said celebrating Valentine’s Day teaches the pupils the essence of caring for others.

    However, not all schools celebrated Valentine’s Day formally. Mrs N.f. Uzoaga, Headmistress of the University of Lagos Staff School said her school did not celebrate specially but they taught pupils about love.

    “Celebrating Valentine’s Day as far as I am concerned is relatively new. You see people say it is a day to show love and appreciation to their loved ones. Then I am like do you really have to show love on a particular day? What happens after that day and what happens every other day? If valentine means love we have to practice it and show it every day; it shouldn’t have any barrier; it should cut across to the needy, the poor and the widows. That’s the true valentine I know. We teach our pupils to love themselves and not to fight one another, and we also teach them not to go about picking other peoples’ things because that doesn’t show love,” she said.

    Many public schools do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. Vice-Principal of Oke-Afa Junior Secondary School (name withheld) said normal activities are held because the state government does not recognise the celebration

    “Our governor doesn’t believe in this sort of thing so we are not allowed to celebrate it in the school. We must continue with our regular activities. It is not officially in our curriculum so we cannot celebrate it. Although it is good to show love and share gifts with people, I still believe it is a personal thing. The way we celebrate it now is not even the right way,” he said.

    However, Principal of the Senior School, who does not want to be named said celebrating it could be useful.

    “They don’t have to put on red and white to school to celebrate, they can share gifts among themselves if they want to. Valentine is not a bad thing and I am not against it if it can unify us as people or increase the love between family members,” he said.

    On their parts, the pupils for whom the schools mount these programmes, seem to be getting the message of love.

    Ten-year old Tomilola Olowu, a JSS 1 pupil, said Valentine’s Day is a day to show love and appreciate her mother and others for what they have done for her.

    Omotoyosi Onanuga, 11-year old JSS 2 pupil said it is a day to show love to those who are needy, friends, motherless and even enemies. “I have learnt to show love and that it doesn’t cost anything to do so. My mummy said she will buy a new bag and shoe for me.”

    Ajayi Emmanuel, a JSS 1, 12 yrs old pupil said: “it is a day to show love and exchange gifts. It is a happy day. My parents bought a video game for me.

    For undergraduates, however, celebrating Valentine’s Day depend on whether there was a relationship, money or time to do so.

    Ifeanyi Okoli, a 100-Level Philosophy student said: “I am not a valentine freak but I think valentine is a day to show love to people and everything but you know some people get the wrong impression about valentine, they think it’s a day to have fun and have sex and do a lot of vulgar things.”

    Anifowose Opeoluwa, an education student said his exams were more important than Valentine.

    “Valentine to me is like if you have a girl you like, you can use that day to show her love, take her out so she will know that you have feeling for her. As for me my exams are near and I have actually left all of that,” he said.

     

     

     

  • PE not well taught in schools, says don

    PE not well taught in schools, says don

    Defective teaching of Physical/Health Education (PHE) at basic education level affects the wellbeing of Nigerians later in life, a Professor of Exercise Physiology, Rafiu Olaoluwa Okuneye, has said.

    Delivering the 50th Inaugural Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on the topic: Human body, human wellness: The perpetual antidotes penultimate week, Okuneye said Physical Education is not being taught appropriately because female teachers, who dominate the basic education level are unwilling to teach the practical aspects of the subject.

    He said: “My findings revealed that Physical Education is not regularly taught in the class while practical classes are almost neglected; most teachers in primary schools are women who strive to remain radiant the whole day and as such not ready to change into and out of sports dresses; consequently, practical classes suffer great set back.

    “Teachers in primary schools do not possess sufficient requisite skills to teach and evaluate PE. Teachers usually complain about lack of space, inadequate facilities and equipment. However, these complaints were countered with the fact that space is still available for pupils to vigorously engage in physical activity during recess or break time and facilities and equipment required for PE at primary school are simple and not complex as those for other sports and events for competition.”

    As a result of teachers’ unwillingness, Okuneye said schools are losing vital PE equipment because they do not make requisition to government for them.

    “Cartwheels, gymnastics and others are not supposed to be theory. They should be practical. But since teachers do not practicalise them, there is no push for the government to supply the necessary equipment. Gradually, these equipment are fading out of schools,” he said.

    Okuneye warned that not learning PHE well at an early age has negative implications in adulthood.

    “The implication of this is that children are left unguided to search for physical activity whether suitable or unsuitable. It is only when children are properly exposed to physical education classes in their school years that they will master fine motor skills; that they will be familiar with pool of activities from which they can select the most appealing ones for lifetime participation and more importantly establish in them, ideal physical activity habit from childhood,” he said.

    However, after successfully campaigning for the introduction of the practical aspect of the subject into the SSCE conducted by WAEC and NECO, Okuneye is optimistic the teaching of the subject would improve in schools.

    “I am proud to confirm to this audience that the Federal Government/Ministry of Education reasoned with us and directed that practical examination should be part of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Physical Education with effect from 2008. The National Examination Council (NECO) has complied and WAEC is about to complete the process of complying. With this I am optimistic that the teaching and learning of PE in secondary schools will significantly improve for the benefit of all.

    To maintain wellness, Okuneye urged his audience, made up of academic and non-academic workers as well as students of LASU, to always exercise and not abuse their bodies through poor diet and wrong habits.

     

     

     

     

  • Ajimobi plans three model schools this year

    Ajimobi plans three model schools this year

    The Oyo State government would soon begin the construction of three model schools in the state.

    The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Adetokunbo Fayokun, who told The Nation in an interview, said there were provisions for the projects in this year’s budget.

    The secondary schools, which Mrs Fayokun said will be a template of the current administration on the standards of public schools, would be built in each of the three senatorial districts in the state.

    She explained that construction of the schools became imperative in view of the dilapidating structures, poor academic performance, mushroom private schools and other woes that have bedevilled public schools in Nigeria. The commissioner said the model schools would afford the government the opportunity to show how schools should look like and should be run.

    Mrs Fayokun recalled that via concerted efforts by the current administration, the state is witnessing improved performance of pupils in the last West African Examinations Council (WAEC) during which Oyo State moved up from 34th to 23rd position nationwide. Aside rebuilding infrastructures across secondary schools and motivation of teachers in various ways, Mrs Fayokun said the government had also approved payment of the counterpart funds to access funds from the Universal Basic Education (UBE) for projects in primary schools.

    She stated that the government is committed to revamping education in the state, pointing out that this reflects in the manner the administration prioritises education.

    With improved learning environment, extra-mural lessons for final year pupils, free exercise books and motivation of teachers, Mrs Fayokun said government is committed to restoring the glory of Oyo as a pace- setter state, particularly in the area of education.

     

  • Obi resumes visits to schools

    Anambra State Governor Obi yestertday resumed his visits to schools after the Yuletide break.

    The governor yesterday visited Marist Brothers’ Secondary School, Nteje; Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkwelle Ezunaka; New Era Secondary School, Onitsha; Army Day Secondary School, Onitsha; Community Secondary School, Awada; and Union Secondary School.

    He gave cheques to some of the schools to rehabilitate their structures.

    Obi urged others to evaluate their needs.

    At each of the schools, the governor inspected facilities, interacted with the teachers and pupils.

    He advised the pupils on the need to be serious about their education.

    According to him, education is the biggest asset those growing up should acquire, if they wish to be successful in a competitive society.

    Obi assured the pupils that his administration would upgrade the facilities in their schools.

    The governor regretted that the facilities were collapsing because past administrations neglected the schools.

    He recalled that before his administration, no school in Anambra State had basic infrastructure.

    Obi said his administration has rehabilitated most schools by providing basic infrastructure, including science laboratories, materials, computers with internet facilities, generating sets, boreholes, conveniences, buses, fencing, among others.

    The governor promised that all the schools in Anambra State would be equipped by the end of the year.

    At Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nkwelle Ezunaka, Obi was moved to tears at the level of dilapidation.

    The governor regrettable that Anambra indigenes, who he accused of celebrating vanity, did not show concerns about rebuilding the institutions where their children are trained.

    At Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje, the principal, Rev. Mike Iwu said: “It is on record that this school is one among many which have benefitted immensely from the generosity of your administration. We thank you for your interest in schools. This really shows that you understand that the children of today are leaders of tomorrow.”

    The Principal of New Era Secondary School, Onitsha, Dr. Ngozi Agbabamila said: “We cannot thank you enough for your vision for the state and your commitment to actualise that vision more than any other governor since the state was created. Your dedication, support, encouragement and love for education are beyond expression. Schools just resumed yesterday and here you are today visiting us, when some people are still busy holidaying.”

     

  • WAEC to stop schools from registering external candidates

    WAEC to stop schools from registering external candidates

     

    The West African Examination Council on Tuesday said it would soon stop the registration of external students by schools.

    The coordinator of WAEC in Plateau, Mr. Basil Inyang, made the announcement at a stakeholder’s forum on “Eradication of Examination Malpractice’’, organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jos on Tuesday.

    The coordinator also said that once a student failed the examination, the said student would not be availed the opportunity to register in the succeeding year.

    “We shall soon cancel the registration of external candidates by secondary schools.

    “This is because most students look for miracle centres to register for the examination, constituting the bulk of examination malpractices.

    “If a student fails the examination in the first sitting and wants to sit for the second time, the students must go back to their former school and register again,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the coordinator as saying at the forum.

    Inyang said that there were a lot of reforms that WAEC was undertaking at the moment in its quest to curb examination malpractices.

    He challenged teachers to impact on students, the virtue of effective knowledge, as most of them looked up to their teachers as role models.

     

  • ‘7.5m female students drop out of schools’

    ‘7.5m female students drop out of schools’

    The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said that of the 10 million primary and secondary schools drop out nationwide 7.5 million were females.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu in Abuja.

    It stated that Wike made this known while declaring open a capacity building workshop to scale up Mothers’ Association at senatorial level in Sokoto.

    According to the statement, the figure is not good for the future of the girl-child in the country.

    The statement said the workshop was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office for the seven states of the North West geo-political zone.

    Wike tasked mothers in the North West zone to shape the future of their female children and to ensure that they enrolled them into schools.

    The minister was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Education in the ministry, Mrs. Elizabeth Omotowa.

    Wike also said the capacity building workshop was aimed at empowering mothers to shore up the enrolment capacity of children in their communities.

    “We believe that the children are closer to their mothers and that the mothers can make impact in the lives of the children, especially the girls in their community to encourage them to attend school,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the minister as saying in the statement.

    Wike expressed optimism that the capacity building would meet the ministry’s set objectives through improved enrolment among girls.